The 1970s was a time of vibrant and eccentric style, creativity, and a fusion of cultural flavours. Food trends of that era reflected the same eclectic flair, with dishes that have since become timeless classics. Here are 20 classic foods from the 70s boomers have fond memories of.
Fondue
Fondue parties were a popular gathering in the 70s, where friends and family could gather around the fondue pot and share a delicious and unique meal. Fondue is a cheese-based dish made with Swiss cheeses and white wine, and served with a variety of meats, vegetables, and bread cubes. This one-pot meal was a great way to bring people together around the dinner table in a casual atmosphere.
Chicken Kiev
Chicken Kiev was usually made with chicken breasts that were filled with butter and herbs, then breaded and fried. It was often served with rice and vegetables. This classic favorite still holds up today, with its staple mix of salty and savory flavors.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs were a staple in the 70s dinner table, and are still a popular party appetizer today. This simple dish is made by peeling boiled eggs, mashing the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles, and refilling the egg whites with the mixture. They are typically decorated with paprika for an extra kick of flavor.
Salisbury Steak
Salisbury steak, thought to have been invented in the late 1800s by a physician named J. H. Salisbury, was widely popularized in the 1970s with the help of TV dinners. It is typically made from ground beef and seasonings that are formed into patties and served with gravy or sauce. This comforting meal still has a place in many home kitchens.
Fried Bologna Sandwich
Fried bologna sandwiches have been a classic American lunchtime staple since the early 1900s. Slices of bologna, typically made from beef, pork, or poultry are pan-fried until crispy and served on a sandwich with condiments such as mustard and mayonnaise. This simple yet satisfying sandwich is often found in diners, delis, and even on the menus of some gourmet restaurants.
Tater Tots
Tater Tots were another popular comfort food of the era. This crispy potato snack was made by shaping potatoes into small cylinders and deep-frying them. They were usually served as a side dish alongside burgers and sandwiches and were a go-to for dinner parties and potlucks. Tater Tots are still a popular snack today.
Chili Dogs
Chili dogs were a hot commodity in the 70s. This classic meal consisted of a beef hot dog, piled high with chili, cheese, and onions. It was a messy meal, but the combination of the chili and beef flavors made it worth the mess. This all-in-one meal was a staple at barbecues and backyard gatherings and is still enjoyed today.
Popcorn Shrimp
Popcorn shrimp was another popular food of the 70s. This crunchy, fried dish consisted of small pieces of seasoned shrimp and a delicious coating. It was usually served with cocktail sauce or ketchup for dipping and could be found in almost any seafood restaurant.
Corn Dogs
Corn dogs were the perfect snack or meal for those on the go in the 70s. The combination of a hot dog dipped in sweet cornmeal batter and deep-fried was irresistible. Corn dogs were served piping hot and were sold at street vendors, carnivals, county fairs, and practically every sporting event.
Goulash
Goulash was a popular meal during the 70s due to its ease of preparation and hearty flavors. This one-pot dish is made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and spices, and is served with macaroni noodles. Rich and flavourful, it makes for an ideal comfort food on cold winter days.
Pigs In A Blanket
Pigs in a blanket were all the rage in the 70s. This simple, yet tasty snack consists of small sausages wrapped in biscuit dough. It was often served with ketchup, mustard, and other condiments to enhance its flavor. Kids could not get enough of this treat!
Cheese Balls
Cheese balls were the perfect snack for parties in the 70s. Made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce, this savory treat was easy to make and even easier to eat! Cheese balls could be served as an appetizer before a meal or just as a snack while watching television.
Hot Spinach Dip
A combination of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings make this classic dip perfect for chips or crackers. Hot spinach dip became a fad food this era and is a staple on appetizer menus everywhere.
Jell-O Plates
Photo credit: Canva
The 70s was back when Jell-O was the main ingredient in a variety of jiggly desserts. Everyone would be sure to have a Jell-O plate for their cafeteria lunch or dinner party at home. It could easily be made with any flavor of Jell-O, some canned fruit, and whipped topping, and was usually served with a few toothpicks to make it easier to eat.
Pasta Primavera
Pasta primavera is a veggie-loaded pasta dish that became popular in the 70s. It’s made with lots of veggies, such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and broccoli cooked with garlic, olive oil, and white wine. Add some Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley to make it even more yummy.
Crepes
Crepes were a classic dish in the 70s and are still enjoyed today. Thin pancakes made from eggs, milk, and flour, crepes are light and delicate and can be filled with various savory or sweet fillings. Served either as an appetizer, side dish, or dessert, crepes are an elegant addition to any dinner party or gathering.
Fried Zucchini
Fried zucchini was a popular side dish in the 70s, and its popularity has held up to this day. This recipe is simple enough for even beginner cooks to master. All you need are some slices of zucchini, egg, bread crumbs, and oil for frying.
Dip your zucchini slices in the egg mixture, and coat them in the bread crumbs. Fry them up in oil for a few minutes until golden brown. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some chopped parsley to make it even more yummy. Enjoy!
Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is a classic Russian dish, made with beef and mushrooms in a creamy sauce. It’s one of those dishes that can be easily adapted for different tastes, depending on how much onion or garlic you want to add.
Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole is a classic American dish that has been around for decades. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal and can be prepared with canned green beans or fresh ones. All you need to make it are some cream of mushroom soup, fried onions, and the green beans of your choice. Combine all these ingredients in an oven-safe casserole dish and bake until warm and bubbly.
Taco Salad
Who didn’t love the classic Taco Salad growing up? This dish combines all the best Mexican flavors into one bowl. The ingredients used are ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, black olives, and of course, crunchy taco shells.
More From Health Makes You
Eating is essential to your survival, but many food items can cause serious harm and put you at risk of death if ingested in large quantities or not prepared properly. Some of them are common foods you consume every day.
30 Dangerous Foods You Didn’t Know Could Kill You
16 Foods Boomers Love That Millennials Won’t Touch
The generation gap between Baby Boomers and Millennials can be seen in many aspects of life, from how they dress and listen to music to how they shop and eat. Here’s a look at some dishes Boomers love, but Millennials won’t touch.
16 Foods Boomers Love That Millennials Won’t Touch
The Top 25 Most Popular Foods in America You Must Try Once in Your Life
America is a melting pot of cultures, and its cuisine reflects that. From coast to coast, you can find all sorts of unique dishes that are delicious and nutritious. Here’s a list of the top 25 most popular foods in America that you must try at least once in your life!
The Top 25 Most Popular Foods in America You Must Try Once in Your Life
15 Foods Americans Eat That Foreigners Find Disgusting
Americans have various culinary preferences, and some foods popular in the United States may seem strange or even disgusting to foreigners. Here are some foods Americans eat that foreigners find most disgusting.
15 Foods Americans Eat That Foreigners Find Disgusting
10 Foods That Look Amazing But Actually Taste Terrible
Some foods just look better than they taste. From rainbow bagels to grapefruit, here are some of the most visually appealing but unfortunately bad-tasting food items out there.
10 Foods That Look Amazing But Actually Taste Terrible
This article was produced on Health Makes You.